Water Heater Energy Saving Tips

Typically, the average family in the United States goes through about 70 gallons of hot water every single day. That accounts for bathing, washing up, and all the water used in various appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines. All things considered, it’s easy to see why hot water accounts for about 20 percent of a home’s monthly energy bills.

If you are looking for ways to lighten the load and save a little bit of money, there are several things you can do that will help.

Here are a few great tips you can put into action today:

Conserve your hot water

Using less hot water is the simplest way to slash your energy bills. Consider some of these statistics about hot water use and easy ways to use less.

• Average load of laundry: 25 gallons
  How to conserve: wash your clothes in cold water and be sure to adjust the water level to reflect the load.
• Typical shower: 10 gallons
  How to conserve: Install low-flow shower heads.
• Dishwasher cycle: six gallons
  How to conserve: don’t run the dishwasher until you have a full load.
• Running your bathroom or kitchen faucet: two gallons per minute!
  How to conserve: shut off your faucet if you’re not actually using the water, such as when brushing your teeth or shaving. Fill the sink for dishes and rinse them all at once.

Improve your hot water insulation

The bulk of your hot water’s heat is lost during transfer. This happens either in the storage tank or in the pipes coming from it, generally in the first six feet of pipe. Insulating these areas will help.

Dial it down: lower the thermostat on your water heater

Check where your thermostat is set. Most will default to 130˚ F or even higher, but 120˚˚is usually more than enough for most of your needs. If you’re unsure, follow manufacturer recommendations for proper water temperature.

Replace your water heater with a high-efficiency propane model

Today’s propane water heaters are known for their efficiency. Both conventional tank models, as well as tankless water heaters, are great ways to ensure plenty of hot water for your needs at a reasonable cost. Although tankless propane water heaters have a higher upfront cost, the money you save over the long-term will more than compensate for it.

Are you thinking about replacing your water heater? Reach out to your local propane provider today for advice.